Use of the passive lower lingual arch in the management of anterior mandibular crowding in the mixed dentition.

Leeway space preservation in the mixed dentition is a well-documented method of space management. In the mandibular arch it may be saved for utilisation in the correction of minor anterior crowding by the placement of a passive lower lingual arch (LLA) during the transition from the mixed dentition to the permanent dentition.

Early identification and management of mandibular canine ectopia.

Mandibular canine impaction and transmigration have serious consequences for the patient, as removal of the tooth or teeth in question is often the only solution. The loss of one or both mandibular canines complicates orthodontic treatment. Early warning signs of mandibular canine ectopia are explored in this paper as well as how to assess the potential for displacement, impaction and/or transmigration. This paper highlights the value of interceptive treatment once the early signs of an aberrant mandibular canine have been detected.

Maxillary canine management in the pre-adolescent: a guideline for general practitioners.

This paper focuses on the identification of ectopic eruption patterns of the maxillary canines from the dental ages of approximately 8 to 12 years. The timing and suitability of interceptive treatment in pre-adolescents are discussed.

The mixed dentition pantomogram: a valuable dental development assessment tool for the dentist.

The mixed dentition pantomogram is routinely used in paediatric patients. This paper discusses the value of the pantomogram for early identification of problems in dental development during the mixed dentition stage. Aspects regarding dental maturity, leeway space, the sequence of eruption of the permanent teeth, anomalies and the development of the canines will be reviewed.

Infraocclusion of primary molars: a review of the literature.

Infraocclusion of primary molar teeth is a relatively common clinical finding and decision-making concerning the successful management of such cases can present a challenge to the general dental practitioner. This paper reviews the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment rationale and includes flow charts for easy reference to the various treatment options for infraoccluded primary molar teeth.

Dentoskeletal and soft-tissue changes in growing class II malocclusion patients during nonextraction orthodontic treatment.

An investigation was conducted to determine the outcome of nonextraction edgewise orthodontic treatment of thirty-five caucasian patients with Class II molar relationships (13 division 1 and 22 division 2 cases). Twenty-three females and 12 males aged between 10 and 16 years old were treated using Class II intermaxillary elastics worn with 0.016" x 0.022" stainless steel archwires and without extra-oral traction. Thirty cephalometric landmarks were identified and digitized, and used to calculate 41 parameters. Space analyses were conducted on pretreatment study models. Most of the cases had between 0-4 mm space shortage in both maxillary and mandibular dentitions. Results of this study indicated that the mean SNA angle decreased by 1.580 degrees, and that this change was largely due to posterior movement of point A. The mean pre-treatment ANB value was 4.490 degrees which decreased to a mean posttreatment value of 2.810 degrees (p<0.05). No significant changes in the growth direction of the jaws were found, showing that the use of Class II intermaxillary elastics in this sample had no detrimental effect on this parameter (p<0.05). The SNB angle increased by a mean of 0.110 degrees, which can be attributed to anterior mandibular growth. The dentoalveolar changes included a mean overjet reduction of 3.816mm (mean posttreatment overjet was 2.2mm) and proclination of the lower incisors relative to the APo line and the mandibular plane, probably caused by the use of Class II intermaxillary elastics. The lower lip advanced relatively more than the upper lip, and this contributed to an improvement of the lip relationship. The amount of nose growth observed during the study was normal for this age group, and compared favourably with other data in the literature.

Facial profile changes with various orthodontic premolar extraction sequences during growth.

The Visual Treatment Objective (VTO) is an extremely valuable tool in the process of working out the treatment plan for the individual. This is especially true for the inexperienced operator. Often it becomes clear that extractions are indicated, but there remains uncertainty as to which teeth should be chosen for extractions to give the best results. As it is necessary to express the expected change in profile due to growth of the nose and also of the chin, VTO construction is helpful in determining the extraction decision. Clinical experience and research projects have indicated that the use of mean values has definite limitations when constructing a VTO for an individual. The primary objective of this investigation was to provide formulae by means of which anteroposterior changes in the facial profile of growing individuals for whom four premolar extraction treatment is proposed can be predicted with a greater measure of certainty. The records of 248 growing Caucasian orthodontic patients (120 males and 128 females) were selected and divided into Group 44 (four first premolar extractions), Group 45 (upper first premolar and lower second premolar extractions) and Group 55 (four second premolar extractions). Formulae are presented for the prediction of the amount of incisor retraction, anteroposterior nose growth and for chin growth. The formulae were derived by regression of incisor retraction, anteroposterior nose growth and chin growth on various predictors, and could be used in the construction of VTO's for selected cases.

Prediction of horizontal growth of the nose.

The primary objective of this investigation was to provide a means of predicting the horizontal growth of the nose in growing individuals. Mathematical formulae were statistically derived and incorporated into a software program.

Accidental ingestion of a component of a fixed orthodontic appliance--a case report.

Most dental patients are treated in the supine position, enhancing the risk of accidental aspiration or swallowing of foreign objects. This article presents a case report of an orthodontic patient who accidentally ingested a section of orthodontic wire and coil spring from a fixed expansion device placed in the maxillary dental arch. Some guidelines for the prevention of such occurrences in the practice and at home, and possible courses of remedial action, are discussed.

A prospective radiological analysis of fragment displacement in fractures of the mandibular condyle: evaluation of 96 consecutive cases.

A prospective radiological study of 96 patients with mandibular condylar neck fractures was undertaken to assess frequency and nature of mandibular condylar displacement. Data collected included age, gender, aetiology, and anatomical site of fracture and direction of displacement. Men aged 20-29 years sustained the majority of condylar fractures. Assault was the major cause of condylar fracture, followed by motor vehicle accidents and sport accidents. No anterior or posterior displacement of the condyle was noted. Medial displacement of the superior fragment was most frequently observed.